Travellers leave Kingston Fairfield after week of controversy - Surrey

From the Surrey Comet

Travellers who pitched their caravans on a recreation ground have left after a week of controversy, which included fireworks being thrown at them.

The five caravans arrived on the Fairfield in Kingston after driving in through a gap in fencing on Monday, June 18 at about 2.45pm.

The Travellers claimed they had nowhere else to go but leader of Kingston Council, Councillor Derek Osbourne, said the situation was “totally unacceptable”.

Kingston County Court ruled the group were staying illegally on the land and granted an outright possession order, which meant they had to leave by 4pm today or face eviction.

The group, who included a pregnant woman and children with measles, were seen leaving the site at about 12.40pm today.

One traveller, who only wanted to be known as Mike, said during their stay people had driven past shouting abuse at them and police attended after fireworks were thrown at them at 1.50am on June 23.

Counc Osbourne said: “We would like to thank residents and other users of the Fairfield for their patience whilst Kingston Council secured the necessary court authority to regain the Fairfield for the benefit of residents.

“We look forward to residents and the public being able to enjoy the Fairfield once again as soon as possible.”